Mr Middleton said: “As a member of the NI Assembly Health committee I have pledged my support to the BHF campaign. This campaign is timely as we as elected members and our parties finalise our election manifestos and commitments.

“I fully support the initiatives being progressed by the BHF to provide pupils throughout schools in Northern Ireland with access to CPR training and to create further awareness of defibrillators.

“Along with this, greater access to diagnosis, treatment and care for those living with heart failure is something which the DUP will continue to address.”